Our Practice

Labor/Employment

When you have an employment or labor law problem, you want help immediately. You also want practical advice from attorneys who know how to solve problems, not a useless list of the many legal prohibitions you face as an employer. At Summit, we understand what you need. We have the depth of knowledge and experience to help employers accomplish their goals while steering clear of costly and disruptive litigation.

Much of our practice is aimed at prevention. We pride ourselves on helping our customers anticipate and solve problems before they spiral out of control. Our customers call us for legal advice about the laws that govern their employment relations, and for practical guidance on dealing with their employees and unions. Our attorneys are regularly asked to give presentations and provide training to executives, human resource professionals, and supervisors about the laws that govern employers and the best ways to effectively manage a workforce.

If and when litigation becomes unavoidable, we can help. Summit’s attorneys have a wealth of experience representing employers in administrative matters before state and federal agencies (including the EEOC, NLRB, and PERC), and in lawsuits before state and federal courts.

Summit’s labor practice covers the spectrum of labor issues, from union organizing campaigns to collective bargaining. We recognize that productive labor relations require a long-term perspective, and we have worked hard to develop a “firm but fair” relationship with local labor unions. If you want a combative, antagonistic relationship with your union, you need to find another law firm. If you want representation that forcefully advocates your interests without demeaning and degrading your employees and their representatives, Summit is your place.

Does our approach to employment relations work? Ask our customers. We probably represent more public-sector employers than any law firm in Washington, and our private-sector customers range from small startup businesses to Fortune 500 corporations.